BAYS FURY 7 - PENINSULA 1 

As we start our third round of games, our team continues to be able to do well in the division. As it stands, we are now tied for points with Gorge FC (although they have a game in hand). Our tally of goals continues to be impressive and our boys continue to show that they are improving.

As usual, Peninsula showed great determination. As a matter fact, despite the score, this past weekend was Peninsula's strongest game as they really pushed us physically. The score reflects a better form in finishing from our team, but it does not mean that the goals came easy. We had to work hard to get those goals.

The first bit of the game was evenly fought in the middle of the park. Koby and Justin had their hands full with strong center-mids who fought for every ball they could. Our wingers worked well to get by the outside defenders for Peninsula but scoring was proving to be a bit difficult. However, the deadlock was broken when Robbie passed a quick little pass to Mathew who, after coming back from injury, showed his composure and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Not long after, Koby sent Mathew on a break-away. Again, Mathew showed his composure and scored.

Thus, the team began to settle more. We made some changes in our frontline and our midfield. Our center mids began to move the ball faster. Our forwards kept fighting for the ball. Our defence maintained their ground. Yet, like I said, Peninsula was not backing down. Brandon and Jonathan in particular had some heavy work to do during this half. But eventually our concentration paid off. The third goal came when once again Mathew, after receiving a well struck cross from the outside right, controlled the ball and with a quick snap shot put the ball into the back of the net again. 3-0. A natural hat-trick for Matty. Half time came right away.

During the half, our instructions were simple: treat this game like you would any other game against any other top team. Do not back down from challenging for the ball. Do not let people run by you. Keep working hard at retrieving the ball. Keep moving the ball quickly from player to player. Keep positive. Keep supporting each other.

During the second half, the players kept their structure and not too long after the start, our team scored again. First, Jonathan took matters into his own hands during a corner kick. He received the ball well and headed it to goal, but the keeper made the save. However, Jonathan did not give up and as the ball danced around in front of goal, he snapped a quick shot into the back of the net. Soon after, on an attack from the wing, Marcel crossed a fast flying ball that was met with a great one time volley by Finn. It was an amazing goal that showed great skill by both Marcel and Finn but that also showed great teamwork. 5-0.

We made some more changes. Our sixth goal from a strong impromptu run by Robbie. Following our instructions to put pressure on the defenders of Peninsula, Robbie went after two players who had the ball but that looked a bit unsure on what to do. Robbie caught up to them, went through the two, took the ball, went to goal and scored on the far right corner. It was great solo effort. But for us, it was even better to see him use his tenacity and follow our instructions. Our attacks continued and not long after the 6th goal, Marcel was pulled down inside the box. Penalty kick. Ben stepped up to take it. As the whistle blew, we all stood excited with anticipation. But unfortunately, although Ben did hit the ball well, he struck it too far right barely missing the post. We all felt for Ben, especially because he was working hard to win balls, make good passes and create chances. However, despite his miss, he did not give up and kept working. Most importantly, the team supported him and no one reacted harshly or negatively to the kick. So Ben kept fighting. I was proud of him. His hard work paid off. Towards the end of the game, Ben was rewarded when, after receiving a pass inside the box, he coolly took the ball and slotted it into the back of the net. That marked our last goal of the day. Well worked, well taken.

But the game was not over ~ Peninsula kept coming at us and in fact broke us down twice in counter attacks. Through one of them, our defence found themselves in a bit of disarray and allowed a low hard shot to be taken on Aaron who, despite having made a great save on the first counter-attack breakaway, could not repeat the feat in the second. It was nonetheless fitting for Peninsula to get a goal as they showed that they just would not give up. Our respect to them.

So with that we finished our first game of the third round. I want to commend ALL and EACH of the players on the biggest improvement so far: hardening up. We were just too soft before. Now we are fighting more and as you can see , it is paying off. Well done guys.

What's next? Well, our biggest rivals come to play us next week. No one can deny that there is a lot of anticipation for this game. All I know is that if we keep working hard and being positive the result of this game may be very different than our last one. We got what it takes boys ~ we just simply need to apply it.

Until next practice boys ~ Cheers~!

Roberto